SOUTHPORT neighbourhood inspector Jim McLoughlin is warning all car owners to be vigilant after a recent spate of thefts from vehicles.

The advice comes after a man was arrested by Merseyside Police after being caught in possession of stolen property. The items were believed to have been taken from cars parked near the town centre.

Insp McLoughlin said: “During the months of April and May a series of thefts from motor vehicles occurred in and around the Bath Street area of Southport town centre. Policing activities were intensified at this location and as a result a suspect was identified.

“He was arrested and during the course of a search at his home, he was found in possession of stolen property.”

The man was later interviewed and admitted a total of 12 offences.

Since his arrest, the man’s activities have been closely monitored and there have been no other incidents in the area.

However, Insp McLoughlin stated that ‘these crimes could have been prevented if items had not been left on display in the vehicles’.

Property which has previously been stolen has included iPods, MP3 players and portable navigation systems.

Between May 14 and May 23, thefts from vehicles took place in the Ashton Road, a supermarket in Station Road, Liverpool Road, a golf club car park, Cemetery Road, Henley Drive and Virginia Street.